Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Sophie’s eyes softened with concern. “Don’t eat too fast. Have some soup first.”
“Okay.” He looked up and grinned at his wife. “I’ll listen to you, my dear.”
After a few sips of soup, he continued, “This case will most likely be handed to the Supreme Court. I need to clean up and prepare for work. This is huge news, and it’ll surely shake the court and the streets. If anyone has questions, ask quickly.”
“Just eat! No talking, or you’ll choke,” Sophie admonished.
In truth, no one had many questions. The plan had succeeded, the secrets were out, and everyone had been rescued. The details could wait.
Rafael popped a piece of meat into his mouth, savoring the taste. “Oh, by the way. It was Blake who led the team that found those weapons.
“Blake?” Violet scowled. “Why him? That’s such a cheap grab for credit!”
Rafael paused. “It’s not that simple. He was injured. I
“This time, it’s not just about rescuing people. We’ve uncovered something much bigger. We of the Hell Monarch household won’t be able to take the credit. Whoever risks their life gets the honor. Let’s drop the topic of Mr. Jaffe for now. Please eat, Your Highness,” Jacob said.
Jacob didn’t want to keep talking about Blake, as he didn’t want to make Sophie uncomfortable. Thus, he urged Rafael to eat and then clean up. The scent of the dungeon still clung to the prince.
However, Violet wasn’t quite satisfied. “Blake still played a role in our plan, and that bothers me. I’d rather Michael get the credit!”
She could never forget how Blake had harmed Sophie and tried to seize her dowry. Even though they had fought side by side on the battlefield, they were simply not cut from the same cloth.
Violet would always look down on Blake.
Jacob smiled. “Lord Brown will definitely get some credit. It’s not like Mr. Jaffe will get sole credit. He didn’t go into the dungeon alone, after all. Ms. Spencer, you really shouldn’t dwell on it.”
Violet glanced at Sophie. “Doesn’t it bother you, Sophie?”
Sophie shook her head. “Honestly, when I think back to those times, it feels like it happened in another life. It’s so far away that I almost feel like I never even married into the Jaffe family. Blake’s name feels unfamiliar to me now. If that’s the case, I might as well treat him like a complete stranger.”
Violet shifted awkwardly. “Alright, let’s consider him a stranger?? particularly annoying one.”
Sophie laughed. “Exactly!”
Rafael glanced at Sophie. Even though he wasn’t overly concerned about the past, he enjoyed hearing her say it. She wasn’t lying??hose were her true feelings.
With a smile on his lips, he happily finished his meal.
“Well, since there are no more questions, let’s call it a day.”
After returning to their rooms, Rafael had just finished bathing when a knock sounded at the door of Hell Monarch Estate. Someone from the palace urgently requested him to come at once.
It seemed Michael had already sent word.
Rafael changed into his official attire, then pulled Sophie close. “You should get some sleep. You’ll need to visit the Devin family and meet with Carmen tomorrow. You also need to take Jacob to meet his sister.”
Sophie studied Rafael’s slightly worn face. “You’ve been working so hard these past couple of days. If this case goes to the Supreme Court, it will be a lot of work.”
He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “At least we’ve cut off one of Uncle Yuvan’s arms in the capital. Without Aunt Eleanor, he will have to reassess many of his plans.”
“But getting him to abandon the idea of rebellion won’t be easy,” Sophie replied.
“One thing at a time,” Rafael said as he secured his cloak. “I need to go now, or the king will be waiting too long.”
“Alright, hurry back,” Sophie said, watching him stride into the darkness.
She yawned and turned back to her room, ready for some rest.
There were still two hours left before the morning court session, but the palace’s eastern gates were already open. Rafael rode straight into the palace, dismounting before the royal study. He handed his horse over to a palace attendant.
“Your Highness!” Derek rushed down the steps. “You need to go inside right away! The king and the prime minister are waiting for you.”
“Understood.”
Rafael knew the royal chancellor was bringing the report. He had instructed Michael earlier that if anything related to government affairs came up at Harmony Palace, Jeremiah should be the first to be informed, as only the prime minister could enter the palace at such late hours.
Upon entering the royal study, the flickering candlelight revealed the fury in Salvador’s eyes. Jeremiah sat beside him with a grave expression.
Rafael knelt on one knee. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”
“Rise!” Salvador looked at him, and said in a low voice, “The Supreme Court will handle the matter regarding Harmony Palace.”
Salvador didn’t specify what the issue was, assuming Rafael already knew.
From this statement, Rafael understood that Salvador was aware of the events that had unfolded that night. He likely hadn’t anticipated that they might involve treason, though.
Salvador had certainly not anticipated uncovering such treasonous material. He had thought it would only be some vile secrets from the inner palace, but this was far beyond that. He initially wanted to intervene, yet he hesitated to issue a direct order regarding the affairs of Harmony Palace.
Thus, he had opted to subtly influence things during the Emberfest Festival.
Salvador wasn’t entirely sure anyone would take action against Eleanor that night, but the recent rumors had been rampant.
Whispers claimed that Samuel’s courtesan was the daughter of a concubine from Eleanor’s household. After sending people to investigate, Salvador learned that Henry had dealings with the Lester family, a prominent merchant clan in the city. Coincidentally, one of the Lester family’s daughters had visited Hell Monarch Estate several times.
These fragmented pieces of information didn’t paint a complete picture, but as in previous years, Eleanor had invited high priests to pray at Harmony Palace during the Emberfest Festival.
Then, there was Kyle, who had arrived in the capital just before the festival. Salvador recalled some past conflicts between Sophie and Eleanor, and speculated that the grand princess’ sordid affairs might be linked to the Lester family.
Salvador couldn’t say that he knew Sophie well, but he understood she had a strong sense of justice. If the Lester family had sought her help, she might have been inclined to assist them if she had been dissatisfied with Eleanor.
Most importantly, Daniel’s wife and children had gone missing, presumably kidnapped. If Eleanor had indeed been behind this, Sophie would certainly not have stood by idly.
That was Salvador’s entire train of thought up to now. However, he never could have imagined they would find weapons and armor in Harmony Palace. The significant stash of gunpowder was especially shocking.
Rafael stood, quickly processing the information in his mind, and decided not to feign ignorance. “I will carry out your order, Your Majesty.”
Salvador turned to the prime minister. “Jeremiah, you may leave now. I have a few words to share with my brother.”
Jeremiah rose. “I will take my leave, Your Majesty, Your Highness.”
“Safe travels, Mr. Murray ” Rafael saluted to see him off.